Best Foundation Repair Method – Steel versus Concrete

March 5, 2012

What is the best foundation repair method? It Steel piers are normally the best foundation repair method over concrete piers for the Dallas Fort Worth area. Our warranty experience is evidence of that fact.

Straight Steel piers are always driven to shale or bedrock at depths of up to 80 feet. Concrete Piers are typically driven to a maximum depth of 10-20 feet due to the resistance of expansive clay soils.

Why such a difference in pier depth? 3 inch diameter steel piers are far easier to push into the ground than 6 inch diameter concrete. Steel piers require ¼ the drive force to obtain the same depth as concrete piers. For a comparison, try pressing a hammer handle and a high heel into your yard.

Both pier systems depend upon the opposing force, the weight of the foundation, to drive the piers. The available force for most houses is in the range of 4000 to 8000 PSI. The best that one can hope for in driving pressed concrete is shallow rock, and that all of the soil is pushed out from the base of the pressed concrete using water injection.

These statements are applicable to areas of shallow shale or bedrock. In regions where the hard surface is hundreds of feet thick, concrete piers are preferable to steel and are the only practical choice. For actual field test results, see the following article: Comparison of Steel Piers and Pressed Concrete Piers for Residential Foundation Repair

For your free foundation inspection, contact Granite Foundation Repair today. When deciding on the appropriate foundation repair method, it is important to have all the information before making a decision.